gLeaf Dispensary Workers Vote, 20-1, to Unionize in Maryland

[PRESS RELEASE] – FREDERICK, Md., May 12, 2025 – In a major win, the employees at gLeaf Cannabis Dispensary in Frederick, Md., overwhelmingly voted, 20-1, to unionize with United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 27 on May 9. They are now officially members of the cannabis workers’ union. This victory is the result of months of worker-led organizing in the face of low wages, safety concerns, and demands for dignity, fairness and respect on the job.

“These workers came to us just two months ago with a clear message: enough is enough,” Local 27 President Jason Chorpenning said. “Cannabis workers across the country are sick of being treated like they’re disposable while dispensaries rake in millions in profits. Today, our members at gLeaf showed who really holds the power—the workers.”

This marks the fifth successful cannabis dispensary unionization in Maryland over the past year, led by Local 27, the largest private sector union in both Maryland and Delaware, representing more than 17,000 members. Across the country, the UFCW is the union for cannabis workers, representing the vast majority of unionized dispensaries nationwide.

Cannabis is one of the fastest-growing industries in the state. The average dispensary in Maryland brings in roughly $1 million a month in sales per location, while workers face long hours, low wages and unsafe conditions.

“These workers work incredibly hard supporting an industry that wouldn’t exist without them. They’ve shown immense courage and solidarity, and now they’re on the path to securing a strong union contract,” Chorpenning said. “If you’re a cannabis worker in Maryland, there’s only one place you belong—in the union for cannabis workers.”

Local 27 is currently organizing several more dispensaries across the state. This win is just the beginning, Chorpenning said.